When it comes to the draft, Bill Belichick has always been a sucker for a good value. If he feels the fit is right and is comfortable with the player, he is willing to overlook a magnitude of issues that scare away other teams.

It’s how New England landed Alfonzo Dennard, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, to name three current Patriots starters. And now it appears that South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore has piqued Belichick’s interest.

After rushing for 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns as a freshman, Lattimore’s collegiate career was derailed after suffering two major knee injuries -- the second resulting in tears to his ACL, MCL and PCL – that limited him to 16 games over his sophomore and junior seasons.

But the potential is still there. Lattimore put together an impressive workout during his recent pro day and has drawn interest from several teams, including the Patriots, who will host the running back at some point in the coming weeks.

Lattimore also met with the Patriots at the scouting combine.

While not yet 100 percent, Lattimore is hoping to be ready during the first half of the season, if not by the season opener. He’s been working with noted surgeon James Andrews in Florida, who recently called Lattimore “superhuman” when discussing his recovery.

"I want to be an inspiration," Lattimore told USA Today, the outlet that first reported his upcoming visit with the Patriots. "To let people know that with hard work, and when you trust in God, you can come back from anything and do anything."